Restoration Project

NATIONAL CATEGORY WINNER

GOLD AWARD WINNER

Project

Humphries Construction

Property

Blacksheepdesign, Palmerston North

Owned by

Two Boys Ltd

Judges’ comments

New life has been breathed into a small old commercial building in Palmerston North, which might otherwise have faced demolition. This has included comprehensive structural strengthening and total renovation, providing a fine exemplar for the economic preservation of the county’s many unreinforced masonry heritage buildings.

The project has been carried out with wit and style, recycling many components of the old building, all on an extremely tight budget.

GOLD AWARD WINNER

Project

Amalgamated Builders (2001) Ltd

Property

Pitches Store Ophir

Owned by

David and Colleen Hurd

Judges’ comments

When the current owners took over this modest building in the main street of Ophir, Central Otago, it had little going for it. Built in 1883, it had passed through many commercial uses, with a variety of expedient but ugly alterations. The owners had an audacious vision however, and after a comprehensive strengthening and redevelopment project now have a fine building comprising bar, restaurant and six accommodation suites.

The project involved demolition of virtually everything behind the front facade, which itself required extensive restoration. The sympathetic rebuild included adding an extra story within a steeper pitched roof, as well as a large extension to the rear.

This was achieved with a great effort from the Amalgamated Builders team, to the designs of architect Michael Wyatt.